Old-Fashioned Moist Banana Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 10 min
🍽 Serves: 10
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Banana bread is a classic comfort food, perfect for using up ripe bananas. This old-fashioned recipe creates a moist and flavorful loaf, with a delightful hint of vanilla and optional walnuts for a bit of crunch.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Moist Banana Bread

The secret to making this banana bread so moist and flavorful lies in the combination of a few key ingredients. First, the butter brings richness and helps achieve that tender crumb we all love. Instead of regular milk, using buttermilk adds a slight tang and elevates the moistness of the bread. The bananas are, of course, the star of the show, infusing the bread with natural sweetness and flavor. Finally, vanilla extract works its magic by enhancing all the other flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, bake them in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.
  • For an extra moist bread, don’t skimp on the bananas; the riper, the better.
  • Use a silicone spatula to fold in ingredients; it helps keep the batter airy.
  • Ensure your butter is truly softened to avoid lumps in your batter.

Serving Suggestions

This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. For breakfast, try toasting a slice and topping it with a smear of peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It's also delightful alongside a warm cup of herbal tea in the afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can substitute with a mix of regular milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Use ½ cup of milk and add ½ tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Old-Fashioned Moist Banana Bread Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan lightly, ensuring your banana bread won't stick. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until you have a light and fluffy mixture. This should take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step ensures a smooth batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients are gradually added to your creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. This technique helps maintain the batter's consistency.

Once your batter is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas. If you're feeling adventurous, fold in some chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

Pop your loaf into the oven and let it bake for 60-70 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps the banana bread set properly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses basic ingredients you likely already have at home.
  • Perfectly moist, not dry or crumbly.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite nuts or chocolate chips.
  • Great way to use up overripe bananas.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until well incorporated.
7. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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